#49 - Chapter 49 Emergency Plan
"Commander, Tiangang and Qianluo encountered a Tier 2 zombie in Mozhou City," Xiaolin reported.
"What's the situation now?" Dongfang Chen asked.
"The Tier 2 zombie is dead. The two of them are unconscious," Xiaolin replied.
"Hmm. Tier 2 zombies possess territorial awareness, so other zombies shouldn't rashly enter its territory. They should be relatively safe inside. Remotely send instructions to the mechanical dogs to closely protect their safety," Dongfang Chen said.
"Yes, Commander."
"Are there any other people nearby?" Dongfang Chen asked.
"The closest are Niu Xingwang, who just arrived at the Meilin Settlement, and Yun Que from the Huailing Settlement," Xiaolin replied.
"Looks like there's no way to send reinforcements to them. They can only rely on themselves! I should have hardened my heart and trained Luo'er properly before, otherwise this situation wouldn't have happened today!" Dongfang Chen thought.
"Xiaolin, how is the construction of the safe houses going?" Dongfang Chen asked.
The so-called safe houses were secret entrances used to connect with the outside world after the base's main entrance was destroyed. The first batch of safe houses totaled 12. For safety, their locations were set relatively far away, scattered in several abandoned courtyards in the suburbs of Binzhou City. If a safe house was exposed later, it would be immediately destroyed.
At the same time, an underground passage directly connected to the base would be set up below each safe house. Tracks were set up in the passage, similar to a horizontal elevator, which could transport goods and people.
"The safe house closest to us has been completed, the passage has been opened, and the second one is under construction," Xiaolin reported.
"Okay, share the location with Fanghua and Niu Xingwang. Tell them that all future transactions will be conducted there."
"Yes, Commander."
… …
Hua Country, Kyoto, Parliament Building.
December 15, 2054, morning.
"Councilor Yan, is your information reliable?" a man in his sixties asked.
"Speaker, it's absolutely true. As you know, someone provided us with complete information about the virus when the pandemic broke out."
"That's right!" the Speaker replied.
"The person who revealed that information is the same person!" Yan Zhengping replied.
The Speaker nodded and asked everyone:
"What does everyone think?"
"I have a question!" a woman in her fifties spoke up.
"Oh? Councilor Hu, please speak," Yan Zhengping said politely.
Councilor Hu Qingying served as the Minister of Health, and the Emergency Response Department also fell under her jurisdiction.
"How can you prove that the source of the information is the same as last time?" Hu Qingying asked.
"I'm sorry, I can't prove it. But similarly, I can't prove that the source of the information is different," Yan Zhengping replied.
"Then, if that's the case, why is it that everyone else didn't receive the message this time, and only you did?" He Jinghui, the Minister of Security, immediately followed up.
"Then you'll have to ask the person who sent the message himself!" Councilor Yan replied impolitely.
The scene fell silent for a moment.
"Alright. Since the person who sent the message has a way to evade our investigation, there's no practical point in discussing this issue further. Let's return to the previous topic. Lao Jing, what do you say?" the Speaker said.
Lao Jing, Jing Cheng, a member of parliament and the current Minister of Culture, is a materials science expert.
"The substance red oxygen does exist, but it's not stable. Moreover, the environment outside the atmosphere is affected by radiation, and the situation is complex and volatile. As for whether it can form such a stable icosahedral structure, I can't judge at the moment. I can only say that it's logically plausible," Jing Cheng replied.
"In that case, immediately order the Science Department to establish a task force to conduct research on this topic after you return," the Speaker said.
"Okay," Jing Cheng replied.
"Councilor Yan, since we can't determine the authenticity of the information at the moment, what suggestions do you have?" the Speaker turned to Yan Zhengping and asked.
"Personally, I believe it's better to be safe than sorry. The collapse of the entire ecosystem will have a fatal impact on us humans. I propose that we immediately discuss and formulate an emergency plan to cope with potential future risks," Yan Zhengping replied.
"Okay, does anyone have different opinions?" the Speaker asked.
No one answered.
"Since everyone has no different opinions, let's begin the vote. Those who agree to formulate an emergency plan, please raise your hands," the Speaker announced.
The councilors raised their hands one after another.
"Okay, 17 votes in favor. In that case, tomorrow we will move on to the next item on the agenda: discussing the emergency plan. Meeting adjourned!" the Speaker said.
… …
Yusu Province, Mozhou City, Meilin Settlement.
"Boss Niu, I didn't lie to you, right? Meilin is a treasure trove. Since the Warring States period, this place has been a strategic location for military strategists. Look at these tall walls, rows of houses, that's definitely the best condition in the settlement!" Mayor Gong and Niu Xingwang walked down the street, talking as they walked.
"Of course, following Mayor Gong is definitely the right choice!" Boss Niu flattered.
"By the way, how is your chamber of commerce being prepared?" Mayor Gong cut to the chase.
"Still in preparation," Niu Xingwang said awkwardly.
"Have you encountered any problems?" Mayor Gong asked suspiciously.
